Panthers’ season ends with loss to powerhouse Mathews

Charles City's Mitchell Whitehead locks in on the ball, resulting in him getting on base and later scoring.

Robb Johnson photo

After a positive start, Charles City High School’s baseball team fell into a slump once district play began. That slump concluded on May 18 in a home contest against the Mathews Blue Devils.

Jumping out with 11 runs in the opening inning, the visiting Blue Devils cruised over the Panthers 20-1, bringing the home team’s season to an end.

Not even a nice size crowd could elevate the Panthers’ defensive output. Mathews pushed across player after player to build up the double-digit lead before the hosts could have their first at-bat.

But a bright spot did occur when the Panthers did take the plate. Mitchell Whitehead was able to reach first base. From there, he found his way around the next two bags before crossing home plate for the Panthers lone run, something the team couldn’t do in their earlier encounter with the Blue Devils.

But Mathews pounded out nine more runs, resulting in the mercy rule coming into effect after five innings to end the game.

After the contest, Charles City Head Coach Irving Bradby reflected on the team’s return to the field in more than four years and what athletes must do in the future.

“These guys have to stick to it and continue to play,” he commented. “Most of these players were underclassmen except for one.

“They just have to continue to get better and start getting their classmates to play baseball to become a better team,” Bradby added, commenting on what it’d take for the program to improve. “If there is a league that is for 15-16 and under, try to play in that during the offseason. This sport is mental, and you have to continue to work on your mistakes. When you do, you will get better as you get older.”

Charles City ends the season with a 3-7-2 record.